Owner of erotic art gallery pledges to sue city

Comment Policy

Is libelous
Is abusive, harassing, or threatening
Is obscene, vulgar, or profane
Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive
Is illegal or encourages criminal acts
Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution
Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others
Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)
Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises

Authorities investigating 2-week-old infant's death | Main | Tampa bus accident sends 12 people to hospital »

July 28, 2008

Owner of erotic art gallery pledges to sue city

[Times photo | Chris Zuppa]

ST. PETERSBURG-- Business owner Bill Schramm said the city violated his civil rights by raiding his erotic art gallery Friday night.

Schramm, who was arrested Friday (photo) on charges of allowing a nude model in a bar and allegedly touching an officer trying to enter the gallery, said he is closing down his shop on 2501 Central and will instead focus on fighting the city's charges.

Schramm was charged with battery of a law enforcement office and unlawful exposure of private parts. The nude model also was charged.

Police first questioned Schramm after neighbors complained of a large penis statue displayed outside the gallery.

Artist Sam Petty is now selling the supersized penis (photo below) on eBay.com. Bidding starts at $100. Proceeds of the sale will go toward Schramm's legal defense fund.

-Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer

[Times photo | Willie J. Allen Jr.]

Posted by tampabaycom at 4:36:30 PM on July 28, 2008
in St. Petersburg | Permalink

About This Blog

Traffic, weather and other breaking news reported and compiled by the staff of the St. Petersburg Times and tampabay.com. Check back often for the latest news from around the Tampa Bay area.